DECATUR - A small crowd lingered at the steps of the Macon County Courts Facility prayed and remembered those who perished on 9/11.

On Thursday, the rest of the nation also took time to pay respects to the almost 3,000 people who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Decatur Police Department officer Tim Boulware and Macon County Sheriff's Office Lt. Ed Culp were among those standing in the rain for the local ceremony.

"We serve our community daily, but this is about supporting our entire nation," Culp said.

Russell Bottom, a Macon County State Attorney's Office prosecutor, said people shouldn't forget 9/11.

"We have problems in our own community of Decatur, but we also shouldn't forget our nation's tragedy where 3,000 people died," he said. "It's a day people will always remember, just like the past generation when President Jack Kennedy was shot."

Twyla Eubanks stood under her umbrella in the rain, listening to the speakers.

"That attack came on 9/11, but we're attacked every day by crime, drugs and gangs ¦" she said.

The Rev. Roland Cook and others with Awakening America, a national organization, sponsored the 9/11 prayer ceremony outside the courthouse.

Cleda Perkins read a prayer proclamation for the blessing of the city of Decatur.

Heartland Community Church opened its doors for those who wished to pray.

The Rev. Joe Bowman said he felt compelled by God to call on his congregation and others to come to the church and pray during a time people are hurting.

"We have to be mindful of the tragedy that impacted people around the world but also impacted us as individuals," he said.

Church member Sandy Niles reflected on 9/11. "I keep thinking about the children left behind, growing up without that parent's love," she said.

Angela Bowman, first lady of the church, remembered a story of a pregnant woman who was angry because she was late for work at the World Trade Center. She barely missed going into one of the towers before it collapsed.

"We have to remember God's grace and mercy. His mercy was so overwhelming that day," she said.

sheilas@herald-review.com/421-7963.